Fresh off the launch of its new MSC World America earlier this year, MSC Cruises ordered two more new World-class ships from Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The line already has four such ships either in operation or under construction. In addition, MSC Cruises will begin “year-round” cruising to the southern Caribbean for the first time in winter 2026-2027, according to Seatrade Cruise News. Lastly from MSC, the cruise line is revamping its specialty dining plan fleet-wide. The fixed-fee menu, according to MSC, offers greater value, variety and ease for guests.
In addition to more big ships sailing the world’s oceans, small ship lines are also introducing new products. In a nod to one of the hottest cruise industry trends—short cruises designed to attract new-to-cruise and new-to-brand travelers—Ponant Explorations will launch five-night Mediterranean itineraries.
On the destination front, Royal Caribbean is expanding its portfolio of private island-style experiences. Spanning more than 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Perfect Day Mexico will debut in fall 2027. Bookings will open this fall for western Caribbean itineraries that originate from Galveston, TX; New Orleans, LA; and all Florida homeports. Among other new options, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas will open in December 2025 and Royal Beach Club Cozumel will debut in 2026.
Land and Sea
AmaWaterways unveiled a new land package for Alexandria, Egypt, as an add-on to its Nile River cruises. As for shore excursions, starting this summer, HX Expeditions will launch community-led shore excursions by Inuit Elders in Arctic Canada. Victory Cruise Lines also announced that it’s now partnering with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to enhance its 2025 shore excursion program in the Great Lakes. Guests will learn about Frank Lloyd Wright sites, the architect’s life and the principals that guided his work. Guests will have excursion options in Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; and Muskegon (Grand Rapids), MI.
(Photo by Cameron Hewitt)
Note: And if clients are heading for Athens, Greece, this week and expecting to travel to/from their ship at nearby Piraeus, Cruise Hive is reporting that ground transportation delays could occur. Travelers should plan accordingly as the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA) is expected to strike between 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, through 6 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025. The union cites the reason for the labor action as the government’s failure to meet with labor leaders.
Trade News
Regent Seven Seas Cruises promoted Jerod Evans to vice president of sales; Shanel Knight to senior director, business development and national accounts; and Randall James to manager, trade operations; all three will report to Shawn Tubman, senior vice president sales and trade marketing, North America. Riviera Travel expanded its sales team with the appointment of Eric Schmit as vice president of sales for North America, as well as South Carolina-based Jarret Kettinger as regional sales director.
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